Daryl's Journal

What Happened Today?

DAY 2: KILLARNEY TO BLACK VALLEY

Up at 7:30 AM. Weather is just right for hiking. 70s during the day, 60s at night.

We enjoyed a traditional Irish breakfast that consisted of ham, eggs, sausage, a slice of tomato and toast.

We began walking at 9:20 AM. We departed Killarney by walking out the Muckross Road. There is a surfaced road running parallel to the main road avoiding the traffic.

We entered Killarney National Park at the first gate- the local jaunting cars were looking for fares! In front of us was Lough Leane and further on we passed Muckross Abbey on our left.

We kept left at a junction and headed for the imposing Muckross House mansion. This was built in the early 19^th century and is now a museum.

What Happened Today?

After 3 pints of Smithwick’s, we walked to another bar called Buke. Kay said it was a gay bar. Everyone seemed friendly. No Smithwick’s, we drank pints of Harps.

Then we found 4 Star Pizza and bought a small pizza. We each ate 3 slices.

Then we found one more pub called McSweeney’s and drank 2 more Smithwick’s and listened to live music.

We walked back to the B&B. In bed around 11:00 PM. PIC!

What Happened Today?

Killarney is world renowned due to the unsurpassed beauty of the setting rather than to any historical or architectural features.

There is an interesting 19^th century cathedral, and the National Park borders the southern edge of the town if you want a warmup walk!

A Franciscan church near the train station has a stained-glass window by Ireland’s famous artist, Harry Clarke.

Opposite is a sculpture by Seamus Murphy depicting the poets of the 17^th and 18^th centuries.

Other unique places are John Reidy’s shop on Main Street and Hussey’s pub at the end of High Street.